Orme Lewis Papers

Orme Lewis was born in Phoenix, Arizona on January 7, 1903. He earned his law degree from George Washington University in 1926. Admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in the same year, he began practicing law in Phoenix. During his active career he was involved in business, politics, and public service. Through partnerships in various law firms as well as in private practice, he established a solid reputation in the legal profession. In 1950 he became a partner in the prominent firm of Lewis and Roca. He was also a member of the California State Bar and District of Columbia Bar. Lewis served in the Arizona State Legislature from 1929 to 1930 and was U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary during the first Eisenhower Administration (1953-1955). Along with others, he helped establish the Republican Party as a viable force in Arizona politics. He served as Chairman of the Republican National Convention's Arizona delegation in 1948. He was an ardent supporter of Arizona's Barry Goldwater during the latter's campaigns for the U.S. Senate and the Presidency.

Active in civic affairs, Orme Lewis was a past president of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Phoenix Jaycees. He was also on the administrative boards of various organizations, including the Phoenix Country Club and the Heard Museum. Orme Lewis died in Phoenix, Arizona on June 28, 1990. He was survived by his wife, Margarethe Hilgard Tittmann Greene Lewis, and son, Orme Lewis Jr.